Gov. Abubakar approves N87m for supply of essential drugs

Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has approved the release of N87 million for the supply of essential drugs to all hospitals in the state..

Abubakar announced this on Thursday in Bauchi during a Mid-Year Review Meeting of Polio Routine Immunization, organized by the state government.

He said the money was released after the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bill & Melinda Foundation and Dangote Foundation "towards strengthening immunization coverage in the state."

The governor said that the new administration had sponsored 15 medical students abroad and facilitated accreditation of some courses run by health institutions in the state.

Abubakar said that the government would soon unveil a five-point agenda in the health sector, tagged "Lafiya Garkuwa".

He pledged to undertake assessment visit of all health facilities in the state before unveiling the programme.

"Healthy people are asset to the development of the state," he said, adding that the administration would transform the health sector, to enhance the wellbeing of the pople.

He commended the two Foundations for supporting the state towards strengthening routine immunization coverage.

Mr Bill Gates, Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in a Video Conferencing from Seacche, USA, commended the state government for its efforts to curb the polio scourge.

Gates particularly commended the state for maintaining zero polio status since 2013 and promised to continue supporting Nigeria until it atttained polio-free status.

He advised the state government to ensure 99 per cent supply of polio vaccines in all the wards, set up quick response teams, re-strategize to enhance coverage and upgrade it supervision system.